Sexual science in the 21st century: Where are we going? A personal note

At the end of what has been called the first century of sex research, we can say with some confidence that human sexuality remains an enigma –- less so, no doubt, than when Alfred Kinsey entered the scene, but still mysterious in many ways. There are many who would have it remain that way. In one sense I agree with them. The contrast between the absurdity of human sexual expression (in the existential sense) and the rational dignity that we like to bestow upon ourselves is part of our saving grace. The last thing I want to see happen is for sex to become well ordered and rational. But I do want to see this potentially positive and interpersonally important (if absurd) aspect of the human condition managed responsibly, both at an individual and a societal level. Many of the more important problems affecting the human race are related to sex in one way or another, encompassing, with